Giant City State Park, located in Makanda, Illinois minutes away from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers outdoor enthusiasts a glimpse into a time before technology and modern civilization rules the land. Giant City State Park also holds valuable education about how such a beautiful area was created by struggling young men during a very dark time in United State history. This State Park is truly an Illinois gem!

Scenic

Activities

When visiting Giant City State Park, it is important to follow the rules…

• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from consumption within the park from September to May.
• The Lodge is open seasonally from the first Friday of February to Mid-December.
• Shelters must be reserved by parties wishing to use them.
• Pets are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash.
• No disposable food and/or drink containers are allowed on official day use hiking trails.
• Please stay on the trail at all times to help preserve the forest and natural areas around you.
• Camping is only allowed at Giant City Campground and Red Cedar Primitive Campground. There are also cabins available.
• Rock climbing can only be performed at authorized climbing areas.
• Metal Detecting is allowed as long as a Metal Detecting Permit is obtained.
• Hunting is allowed at this state park during hunting season. 
• Horseback riding is allowed at this state park.
• Mountain biking trails are not available at Giant City, sadly. However, road biking is allowed.
• Speed limits through the park are posted and strictly enforced.
• Visit the welcome center for more information, maps and souvenirs.

To make the best of your visit to Giant City State Park, it is recommended that you…

• Bring the right gear for the activity you wish to pursue. For example, if hiking, bring comfortable outdoor hiking apparel and footwear, bug spray, plenty of water, snacks and gear that will make hiking and/or backpacking easier.
• Venomous snakes are present at this state park. Avoid dangerous actions by these snakes by staying on trail, watching where you are hiking and giving wildlife plenty of room to flee if you encounter these creatures. Killing wildlife (outside of hunting and fishing) at this park is highly illegal.
• Visit the welcome center for important information, history and educational programs, maps and souvenirs that you might wish to purchase. Feel free to tell them that Hiking with Shawn sent you if I indeed helped you find this state park.
• Please share the trails. If you are hiking and you encounter a horseback rider, yield to the rider, speaking clearly to the rider so that the horse realizes you are a friendly human.
• Visit nearby Makanda to meet some of the nicest people in southern Illinois. There are numerous stores along the Makanda boardwalk that you will likely enjoy as well.
• During open seasons, visit the Giant City Lodge for what is said to be some of the best Fried Chicken and home-style cooking in the region. The lodge is historic and was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
• Always put safety first when exploring the park as dangerous areas exist within the park. Leave with memories, not injuries.

To have an enjoyable visit to Giant City State Park, it is recommended that you follow the rules and tip suggestions listed above.

Thanks for checking out my article on Giant City State Park. This is the first article on a series of southern Illinois State Parks that I am creating. Please share this article to help support me for creating it, especially on your favorite social media pages and profiles. Be sure to follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more awesome articles, videos, photos and more. Consider becoming a member of my Patreon Page to support my video posting efforts or buy something from my Merch Shop. In the next article, we’ll discuss Ferne Clyffe State Park. Until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!